The comedy, which the creation of Irish actor Brendan O’Carroll, pulled in an average audience of 7.6 million to BBC1.

Earlier in the day, 5.7 million viewers tuned in to see the Queen’s message on BBC1, with another 2.1 million watching on ITV – giving Her Majesty a combined audience of 7.8 million.

The BBC dominated the day, with 7.5 million viewers tuning in to see Mick Carter being dealt a double whammy of shocking secrets, while 7 million watched former Strictly Come Dancing stars return to the dance floor for the annual Christmas special. Meanwhile, the festive episode of Doctor Who was watched by 6.3 million

There was good news for Miranda Hart with her sitcom pulling in 6.7 million while Call The Midwife, which she also stars in, did even better with an audience of 6.8 million.

ITV’s best-performing show was Coronation Street, which attracted an audience of 6.6 million, while 5.8 million tuned in to Downton Abbey.

BBC One controller Charlotte Moore said: “It’s fantastic to see millions of viewers choosing BBC One with the top five most popular shows on Christmas Day.

“Audiences tuned in for an incredible range of quality programmes from drama, comedy and entertainment.”

It is the second year running that Mrs Brown’s Boys has pulled in the single biggest audience, with bookmakers offering even money it will repeat the feat next year.

William Hill’s Rupert Adams said:”We have once again underestimated the popularity of Mrs Brown’s Boys – it must be a guilty pleasure as nobody in our office admits to watching it.”